The science, technology, engineering, and math career cluster is about expanding our concepts of the universe and inventing the future. It centers on applying scientific methods, new technologies, and creative problem solving skills to improve both natural and human-built worlds.
STEM workers are behind the innovation in a wide variety of industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, telecommunications, construction, and agriculture.
Exciting technologies developed by STEM workers include everyday conveniences like smartphones and online shopping, to large scale game changers such as climate change research and space exploration, to life-saving innovations like cancer treatments and Alzheimer's research.
While all STEM fields involve solving problems and innovation, the work settings for STEM roles vary widely. For example, research and development scientists often work in labs to develop pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and other products, while IT workers may design websites from home offices.
Engineers may split their time between an office—to collaborate with colleagues and work on project plans—and a jobsite—where they may supervise construction, meet with contractors, and ensure safety.
Historically, women and people of color have been underrepresented in STEM fields, particularly in IT, math, and engineering. Recently, government and industry leaders have worked to encourage more women and people of color to pursue STEM careers by revamping STEM education, highlighting female role models, and promoting more welcoming work environments in college programs and workplaces related to STEM.
Quick facts to know:
- STEM occupations currently account for nearly 10 million jobs. Job growth of more than 8% is projected over the next decade, adding about 800,000 jobs.
- STEM employment has regional centers but is expanding in new areas. Texas, New York, California, and Washington employ high numbers of STEM workers while states with lower STEM job numbers like North Dakota, Tennessee, and Georgia, have seen over 20% growth in STEM related employment in recent years.
- Computer and technology-related occupations are the fastest-growing STEM fields, with an increase of more than half a million new IT jobs projected across the next ten years.
- STEAM is a related global education movement that incorporates the arts—such as humanities, music, language arts, visual arts, and design—into STEM. STEAM emphasizes using the creative process to investigate scientific concepts.
- While the job market may vary over time and location, STEM professionals have a strong degree of job security because of broad growing demand.